Welcome to Online Education at Suffolk

These pages include information for prospective students that are interested in taking
online or blended courses at the college or those who have instructors that are using
the college's Learning Management System (LMS) Blackboard Learn to supplement their
face-to-face instruction.

Faculty who are interested in learning more about Blackboard or getting certified
to teach online should visit our ONLINE FACULTY site.

What is online education?

At Suffolk, online education refers to the online Learning Management System (LMS)
Blackboard Learn, and may include any online materials that instructors provide for
their students to fully participate in a course. For example, a traditional lecture
style course may require students to do homework online.

Online education is an attractive option for individuals who are self-motivated and
can work independently. There is no difference in what you are expected to learn;
it is the modality that is different.

What are the different types of online education courses?

Fully Online – These courses are offered entirely online using Blackboard Learn. Learning, participation
in discussions, assignments and most exams are completed online. Please note, students taking fully online courses may still need to come to campus
for some student services or proctored exams.

FAQs about online courses at Suffolk

Can I work at my own pace? No. Online courses follow the academic calendar and have due dates for assignments,
discussions and exams.

When can I register for online courses? Students can register during the same times as for traditional courses. The college
does not have open enrollment or Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

Are online courses easier? No. Online courses are just as difficult as on-campus courses, and may even be more
challenging due to the learning modality of the course.

Blended/Hybrid – These courses offer a combination of both classroom and independent online learning.
The Blackboard Learn system is utilized for learning activities, participation in
discussions, and course work in addition to classroom participation. Students are
expected to complete both the in-person classroom and independent online components
of the class for successful completion of the course.

Web Enabled – These are traditional, on-campus courses for which instructors provide additional
online study materials in Blackboard Learn. All Suffolk courses have the ability to
be web enabled.

Computer Instruction on Campus - These are traditional, on-campus courses with computer lab-enhanced instruction.
Along with the computerized instruction, instructors may provide additional online
study materials for their students in the Blackboard Learn system. The entire course
or a section of the course may be taught through a computer program with instructor
guidance. These courses meet in one of the computer lab classrooms and the program
is accessed via Blackboard Learn.

Who should enroll in fully online or blended/hybrid courses?

Students should enroll in fully online or blended courses only if they are serious
about and capable of more independent, computerized learning and timely completion
of college-level coursework. In a fully online or blended/hybrid course, students
will participate in lessons, complete assignments (e.g., essay exams, research papers,
etc.) and take online assessments.

To enroll in an online course, students should have successfully completed any requisite
developmental coursework.

Those who are apt to succeed as online learners:

Are highly motivated

Are independent

Are active learners

Have good reading and writing skills

Have good organizational and time management skills

Have the discipline to study without external reminders

Can adapt to new learning environments

Have access to a computer

Success in fully online and blended/hybrid courses require a combination of personal
motivation, the ability to use computer technology, self-direction in completing coursework
on time, and the reading and writing skills to communicate with both the instructor
and classmates.

Proceed to "Is Online Learning Right for Me?" to assess your potential for online
learning success.

What is Online Education Concierge Service?

Students who cannot find answers to their online education questions on Suffolk’s
website are welcome to call Suffolk’s Online Education Concierge Service at (631) 451-4804. Questions will either be personally answered or students will be directed to the
appropriate Suffolk County Community College Office to acquire the information. If
not immediate, response time to inquiries are anticipated to be within one day.

Our Mission...Suffolk County Community College promotes intellectual discovery, physical development, social and ethical awareness, and economic opportunities for all through an education that transforms lives, builds communities, and improves society.